Allegations that the New England Patriots used deflated footballs in Sunday's game appear to be true: Unnamed NFL sources have confirmed as much to ESPN, though league officials tell the AP that "we're still awaiting findings." The ESPN report holds that 11 of 12 game balls were under-inflated by some two pounds per square inch compared to league requirements. A letter shown to the Boston Globe says the Patriots have been told of the findings, which came after a halftime ball inspection, that paper reports. Officials are still looking into how the under-inflation occurred, ESPN reports.
A Patriots rep says the team is cooperating; coach Bill Belichick said yesterday he'd also "cooperate fully," noting that he hadn't known about the issue until Monday night. It's still unclear what the consequences would be for the Patriots if the reported findings are accurate. But players are responding—some with humor. "I don't know anything about that," said defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. "I don't touch footballs. I tackle people." Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee wondered on Twitter: "If New England was to be DQ'd … We'd be their replacements right??... I should probably lay off these strawberry margs." (More New England Patriots stories.)
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